Do's and don'ts of Mardi Gras in Lafayette

Lafayette's first Mardi Gras parade rolls Saturday night, and people downtown are sharing their do's and don'ts of Mardi Gras.

Janice Plaisance has been attending Mardi Gras in Lafayette since 1967.

"I prepare with a poncho or some kind of waterproof clothing because Mardi Gras doesn't matter what the weather is because you got to have joy because, on Ash Wednesday, the fun's over," laughed Plaisance.

She has tips for any people who are about to attend their first parade.

"Do not stand on the opposite side of the barriers. The reason why is because the floats are so big, I've heard of people getting run over because they went too close to the float, and they don't really see you," explained Plaisance.

Lafayette police are closing all streets on and around the parade routes an hour before, so if you see barriers, park far away and give yourself plenty of time to get to your parade-watching destination.

"Nighttime, all the clubs open up, so people get a little bit more aggressive, and then people have a little too much to drink," said Whoojoo Glass Art Gallery Owner Craig McCullen.

Downtown-based tattoo artist Rich Davis says carnival-goers should be mindful of how they impact downtown businesses.

"People do want to have fun, and I think they need to be a little bit more conscious of what they do towards their actions, towards the things that they want to do, and kind of think of the environment," said Davis.

While Mardi Gras is all about fun, remember to always be guided by common sense.

"Have a good time! Laissez les bon temps rouler: that's what I have to say," exclaimed Plaisance.

The Department of Interior will offer 77.3 million acres offshore Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for oil and gas exploration and development, according to Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt.

The Department of Interior will offer 77.3 million acres offshore Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for oil and gas exploration and development, according to Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt.